Are You Addicted to Sugar? Find Out How to Break the Addiction

Posted By
Soza Weight Loss

It’s the late afternoon at work, and you’re rummaging through
your snack drawer with an intense craving for something sweet. You find
that last Hershey’s Kiss left over from Valentine’s Day, unwrap
it and are immensely satisfied the moment you taste the sweet chocolate-sugary
goodness on your tongue. Many of us have struggled with sugar cravings,
but studies show there are several negative effects sugar can have on
your body.

As Addictive As Heroin or Cocaine

Recent
studies have reported that sugar can create a cycle of craving and reward similar to that of
cocaine or heroin. In fact, sugar stimulates the reward center in your
brain more than cocaine, which is why so many people are unable to stop
themselves because their brain tells them I don’t want this, while
their body says, I
need this.

If you think you might be cutting down on sugar, think again. Added sugar
is found in more places than you think. Store bought tomato sauces have
added sugar to for taste, a packet of maple-flavored oatmeal has six teaspoons
of added sugar. According to Harvard School of Public Health, over 70
percent of Americans consume at least 22 teaspoons of added sugar a day.

Unhealthy Effects of Sugar

In addition to its addictive qualities, added sugar is also terrible for
your health. Bacteria thrives on sugar and added sugar provides easily
digestible calories for cavity creating bacteria to live on. High fructose
can lead to fatty liver disease which is incurable and can only be controlled
through treatments and changes made to diet and activity. Over consumption
of sugar can also lead to insulin resistance, which is the leading driver
of metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular disease and type II diabetes.

Signs You’re Addicted to Sugar

You may not realize your tastes buds have been hijacked to prefer sweeter
things, or that your brain has become a sugar addict. Below are five signs
you might be addicted to sugar.

You eat certain food even if you’re not hungry

You sluggish or fatigued after eating

You crave more of the same foods to experience the feelings of pleasure
or reduce negative emotions

You worry about cutting down on certain foods

You have health problems due to food issues, yet you keep eating the same way

Fight Your Sugar Addiction

If you find you are addicted to sugar, here are a few things you can do
to help yourself detox from the substance.